Restaurant Week Boston: Aquitaine

On Friday night we happened to be out with two of our chicest friends in the South End (you know who you are). After we got out of what was an un-remarakle "art" show, we were STARVING! Well, we were in one of the busiest restaurant neighborhoods in the city during what we soon found out was "restaurant week". This is not good news when trying to find a table without reservations. So after a little wandering, and a few very full hot spots...we go into Aquitaine. Aquitaine is a romantic French bistro on Tremont know for is great food and sophisticated atmosphere. At first we were told there were no tables to be had...but after a little eye batting, and a fortuitous cancellation WE WERE IN! The drinks were unique and delicious. The roasted beet salad was amazing. Then the main entrees came! I had a fantastic tagliatelle with chanterelle mushrooms, which was some of the best pasta I've ever had (I know lofty statement). And because it was restaurant week...we of course had dessert. Chocolate torte and profiteroles with chocolate sauce are not to be missed. I can't believe we have lived in this city for almost six years and haven't been to Aquitaine before. This won't be the last time, for sure! Yummm.

Au Pied de Cochon: Montreal

When my husband, Brad, and I went to Montreal last summer one of the top items on our agenda was a pilgrimage to the renowned restaurant, Au Pied de Cochon. The chef/owner, Martin Picard, has nearly single-handedly elevated traditional Quebecois food to an art form. When we arrived in the city we stopped by the restaurant to try to make reservations for some point that week. We soon found out that it was only shear luck that we were able to get a table there at all without reservations far in advance. So take my advice...book ahead! The 3-hour-meal proved to be transcendent. The decor was warm, spare and modern...my kind of place. The open kitchen reveals an army of chic chefs that would seem to be as at home at a indie rock show. I was very impressed, and can't wait for our next trip. Au Pied has recently published a new soft cover version of their "Album" (currently on its way to our desk...will review very soon), which is more like a monograph than a cookbook. Check out what Anthony Bourbain has to say about APD in this clip from "No Reservations" on the Travel Channel. Enjoy...try not to drool on your keyboards.